Soul Strolls

Washington, D.C. is a city of light and shadow. Beneath the shining edifices of marble that dot the landscape lies the story of dark deeds from decades past. Grave robbing, body snatching, and resurrection plagued the nation’s capital over a hundred years ago. The dead were not safe—and the living were complicit.

This macabre drama played out in the burial grounds of America: an unsettling collision of scientific inquiry, unsuspecting victims, and blasphemous desecration.

This fall, we invite you to experience another dark chapter of our common history—a chilling glimpse into D.C.’s past. Discover the stories of our interred residents, victims and perpetrators alike, brought to life by our talented actors. Encounter them and uncover their long-buried secrets. Reckon with their legacies and learn about the American past. Join us for Soul Strolls 2025: Grave Robbing and Resurrection.

Our annual twilight tours explore the stories of individuals buried here through a guided lantern lit tour of the grounds with costumed interpreters. Experience the history of this hallowed ground exactly the way it should be experienced in October – in twilight and darkness, immersed in vignettes of the lives of our interred residents.

Soul Strolls take place over 6 nights, October 17-18, October 24-25, and October 31-November 1. Hour-long tours depart every 15 minutes between 6:00 and 9:30 pm on Fridays (Oct 17, Oct 24, Oct 31) and between 5:00 PM- 9:30 PM on Saturdays (Oct 18, Oct 25, Nov 1). Gates open a half hour prior to the first tour start time. We recommend arriving at least 20 minutes prior to your tour start time. Tours depart from the chapel, also known as the “Tavern of Lost Souls” during the event. Come and enjoy live music, thematic cocktails, and the ambiance of an evening in the cemetery. Costumes are encouraged and welcomed from attendees!